They say you shouldn’t “go chasing waterfalls,” but when temperatures dipped way below zero over the Family Day weekend, outdoor enthusiasts couldn’t resist the opportunity to see one of North Vancouver’s most popular waterfalls frozen.
Hikers ventured into the cold and icy conditions to see Norvan Falls in all its glory, covered in fresh white snow and partially frozen, throughout the Feb. 13-15 long weekend, taking to Instagram to share their magical winter moments.
“I have been waiting for a while to get the perfect window to see the Norvan Falls frozen and under the snow. … And, once again, Mother Nature did not disappoint,” Cecile Dechame wrote on Instagram.
Others were just as impressed.
“I am gushing with joy to finally see Norvan Falls frozen. Wished the low [temperatures] stayed a little bit longer to freeze the whole falls with the base, but there is always next time,” wrote Shalyn Lapating on Instagram.
Norvan Falls is in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park
The Norvan Falls Trail is found in the lush forest of Lynn Headwaters Regional Park and can be hiked year-round with appropriate footwear. The intermediate out-and-back trail is a 14-kilometre round-trip with an elevation gain of 195 metres.
Outdoor enthusiasts planning on doing the hike should be prepared for slippery conditions, says Scott Merriman, search and rescue manager with North Shore Rescue.
“Microspikes are my recommendation,” he said. “Bring them even if it's OK in the parking lot because you do gain some elevation, and it can be slippery.
“We have had injuries even in the summer. People have fallen near those falls.”
Always check the weather conditions before venturing out on a hike, tell someone where you are going, and make sure you have the 10 essentials – a light source, signalling device, fire starter, warm clothes, pocket-knife, shelter, water and food, a first aid-kit, navigation, and a cellphone.
Elisia Seeber is the North Shore News’ Indigenous and civic affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.